Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella admits it is unfortunate they must square off against fellow Italian side Roma in the Round of 16 of the Europa League.
All five Italian clubs progressed from the Round of 32 on Thursday, and the Viola and the Giallorossi must now square off against each other for the first time in European competition thanks to Friday’s draw.
“I’m sorry that we have to meet another Italian club,” Montella told violachannel.tv.
“But statistically speaking, we knew that it could happen. Roma are a strong team and we know them well.
“We have not been fortunate partly because we expect a series of very challenging matches close together.
“The good thing is definitely the logistics.”
Last year was a similar story for the Viola, as Fiorentina played Juventus in the same round of the Europa League, losing 2-1 on aggregate to the Bianconeri.
